There’s nothing like having a meal or a drink or two on a patio when the weather heats up. Want to know what’s even better? A patio on the water. In Cleveland, it’s a summer treat you can’t pass up, whether it’s the river, the lake, or something else.
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Chez Francois
555 Main St., Vermilion
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Nestled on the banks of the Vermilion River, this quaint French restaurant reminds us of why we might never need to visit France. While it’s a bit of a hike out to Vermilion, this is dining and views at its finest and well worth the trip.
Lindey’s Lake House/Facebook
Lindey’s Lake House
1146 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Coastal Taco turned into Lindey’s Lake House back in 2019. While the name may and concept may have changed, the ownership group is the same and they kept the same fun atmosphere and good food for this joint in the East Bank of the Flats. Expect all the seafood, plus unmissable river views.
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The Harp
4408 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
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An Irish bar on steroids, the Harp isn’t just your corner joint with a few shamrocks on the wall. It boasts a large Irish-influenced menu and a spacious patio with a view of the lake. The music’s as likely to be rootsy rock or blues as Irish.
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Lockkeepers
8001 Rockside Rd., Valley View
This Italian joint in Valley View is often one of the most overlooked restaurants in town, but make no mistake, everyone who goes there raves about it. With a view of the Erie Canal, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a summer evening eating really good food and drinking wine.
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Merwin’s Wharf
1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland
Unparalleled atmosphere paired with discounted wine, cocktails, and appetizers. Everyone raves about the sights, the sounds and the ambiance. Everything from couches in front of a roaring fireplace and cocktail tables beneath strings of fairy lights, to giant Jenga and corn hole, it’s enough to make you want to move in to this Metroparks run establishment.
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Nuevo Modern Mexican
1000 E 9th St., Cleveland
Right on Lake Erie, Nuevo is the spot to hit up before visiting the Rock Hall. They originally opened in Akron and expanded to the banks of Lake Erie in 2016 and have been serving up tacos and tequila since.
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The Rusty Anchor at Music Box
148 Main Ave #200, Cleveland
Sitting perfectly amidst the water and the city’s skyline, you feel like you’re in the heart of Cleveland. If the food and the views aren’t enough, they have outdoor music to soundtrack your experience. If you haven’t been yet this season, what’re you waiting for?
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Shooters On The Water
1148 Main Ave., Cleveland
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Shooters has historically been a focal point for the Flats. There’s an outdoor bar, plenty of patio seating, and endless Instagram-worthy picture spots. It’s right off an RTA stop, providing easy access and views of trains, bridges, ships at harbor.
Tinkers Creek Tavern/Facebook
Tinkers Creek Tavern
4000 Tinkers Creek Rd., Walton Hills
Set close against a rural, tree-lined road, and just at the border between Walton Hills and Valley View, Tinkers Creek Tavern is a casual watering hole and restaurant in a remarkable natural setting on the Cuyahoga River.
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E55 On The Lake
5555 North Marginal Rd., Cleveland
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The Metroparks has totally revived this beautiful lookout point of Lake Erie by adding a bar, restaurant and bait shop to this spot. There’s also live music on Saturdays and some of the best views in town.
